An integral part of motorcycling is the desire for riders to personalize their motorcycle to express their individual tastes. For some motorcyclists that means bolting-on an exhuast system, and spraying on some paint, but for others that means a completely custom or one-off build. Celebrating that tradition, we bring you three unique motorcycles that stood-out from the pack as we flipped through our coverage of 2009.
Best Custom Motorcycle of 2009: NCR Corse Millona One Shot
If you ask the question who makes the most gorgeous, unique, and highest performing motorycles in the world, one name will consistently come-up: NCR. Taking donor Ducati motorcycles and turning them into works of art, which true to form also perform on the racetrack, NCR Corse takes everything Ducati stands for, and takes it to the next-next level.
The NCR Corse Millona One Shot takes the Ducati two-valve air-cooled motor, and wraps a light-weight (8.5lbs) frame around it. In total, the Millona puts out 121 hp, with only 275lbs of bulk, and looks good doing it. The price might make you gasp, but if you want to own an Italian sportbike that will make even Ducati owners look twice, then this is the bike for you.
First Runner-up: SE Service Harrier
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: We don’t know what it is about BMW boxer motors, but builders love making radical customs featuring the unique motor. Stellan Egeland’s SE Harrier is no exception. The only thing that’s “BMW” about this bike is the motor, because edgy styling, and unique performance characteristics make this bike very different from your standard German sport-tourer. It’s not for everyone, but it’s the sort of thing that makes us smile here at A&R.
Second Runner-up: Scorpion Performance Cagiva Mito
What began life as an unassuming Cagiva Mito, with its 125cc 15hp motor, probably had no idea that one day it would become a nitrous breathing 90hp street menace. While completely over-the-top and unnecessary, the Scorpian Performance Cagiva Mito tickles us in the notion that it boasts a power-to-weight ratio that could rival a Ducati Desmosedici…for a fraction of the cost. With sinister looks and a bevy of aftermarket parts, this pint-sized sportbike will more than likely embarrass your typical canyon carver, and turn heads at your local bike night.
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